Tatum Makes Strong Comeback as Celtics Dominate Mavericks in Season Debut

Boston's Jayson Tatum returned from an Achilles injury to contribute 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in the Celtics' 120-100 victory over Dallas. The star forward played 27 minutes in his first game since tearing his right Achilles tendon during last year's playoffs.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made an impressive comeback Friday night, contributing 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as his team dominated the Dallas Mavericks 120-100 at home.

The forward started the game and logged 27 minutes of playing time in his first NBA appearance since suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with the New York Knicks.

Supporting Tatum’s return, Jaylen Brown led Boston’s scoring with 24 points while Derrick White contributed 20. Neemias Queta delivered a double-double performance with 16 points and 15 rebounds. However, the Celtics faced a setback when Nikola Vucevic exited during the opening quarter after fracturing his right ring finger.

For Dallas, Klay Thompson connected on 5 of 11 three-point shots to finish with 19 points, but the Mavericks extended their losing streak to six games.

Lakers 128, Pacers 117

Luka Doncic dominated through three quarters, posting 44 points, nine rebounds and three steals to guide Los Angeles past Indiana at home.

The performance marked Doncic’s 10th 40-point game this season, surpassing Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards for the league lead. This achievement also placed him among elite Lakers company, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to reach double-digit 40-point games in a single season alongside Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West.

Doncic’s explosive scoring proved crucial with the Lakers missing LeBron James due to elbow and foot issues and Deandre Ayton sidelined with a knee injury. Pascal Siakam tallied 26 points for Indiana, which suffered its eighth consecutive defeat.

Knicks 142, Nuggets 103

OG Anunoby exploded for a season-best 34 points while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds as New York delivered Denver its most lopsided loss of the campaign.

Denver played the final two quarters without Jamal Murray, who scored 12 points before injuring his left ankle when he stepped on teammate Nikola Jokic’s foot while defending with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter. Murray required assistance leaving the court and didn’t return.

Jalen Brunson managed just nine points but dished out 15 assists for New York, which seized control with a 40-point second quarter. Jokic paced Denver with 38 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Spurs 116, Clippers 112

Victor Wembanyama recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks while Julian Champagnie chipped in 20 points, including 17 crucial third-quarter points, as San Antonio erased a 25-point deficit to defeat Los Angeles.

The comeback represented San Antonio’s largest rally of the season and extended their hot streak to three straight wins and 14 victories in their last 15 contests. De’Aaron Fox added 19 points and nine assists to the winning effort.

Kawhi Leonard topped all scorers with 30 points and Brook Lopez contributed 26 for Los Angeles, which saw a three-game winning streak come to an end.

Rockets 106, Trail Blazers 99

Amen Thompson erupted for 26 points and sparked a decisive fourth-quarter surge that carried Houston past Portland.

With Alperen Sengun, who led all scorers with 28 points, picking up his fifth foul with 8:29 left and Houston trailing 89-85, Thompson took over by scoring three straight baskets to trigger a 15-0 run. Thompson shot an efficient 11 of 12 from the field while adding seven rebounds and seven assists.

Kevin Durant posted 20 points and eight rebounds for Houston, winners of five of their past seven games. Jerami Grant led Portland with 21 points and Jrue Holiday added 20 points and 10 assists for the Trail Blazers, who dropped three of four.

Heat 128, Hornets 120

Tyler Herro drained eight three-pointers en route to 33 points as Miami outlasted Charlotte on the road.

Bam Adebayo contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Heat captured their fourth straight victory and improved to 7-2 over their last nine games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. provided 21 points coming off the bench.

Charlotte’s six-game winning streak came to an end despite strong performances from Kon Knueppel (27 points), Brandon Miller (22 points, 13 rebounds) and LaMelo Ball (21 points).

Suns 118, Pelicans 116

Devin Booker poured in 32 points and Jalen Green added 25 as Phoenix nearly gave away a 14-point fourth-quarter advantage before surviving against New Orleans.

Oso Ighodaro scored 13 points for the Suns, who connected on 20 three-pointers in a season-high 58 attempts. Phoenix had dropped seven of 11 games prior to completing a four-game season series sweep.

Trey Murphy III scored 22 points with four three-pointers while Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey each contributed 19 points for New Orleans, which had won five of seven entering the contest.